BluTuesday - December 26, 2017 & January 2, 2018
What’s going on, ProFans? I’m taking a break from getting over my New Year’s hangover to bring you the latest releases to home media for both December 26, 2017 and January 2, 2018. In this week’s episode, we discuss a medical remake, a very unfortunate meet cute, and a historical dramedy. Let’s get to it.
Flatliners (PG-13) - NOTE: This film was released to home media on December 26, 2017
Metascore: 27%
Five ambitious medical students, abnormally obsessed with finding out what happens after you die, conduct a dangerous experiment: they stop their hearts for short periods of time in order to get a near-death experience and see the afterlife for themselves. But, as their curiosity gets the better of them, they begin to be haunted by their past transgressions due to their trespassing on the other side. This film, which stars Ellen Page, Diego Luna, and Kiersey Clemons, is available in a single disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital HD version and a single disc DVD version. The original film, while not a beloved classic, had a certain charm to it. This film, on the other hand, has none of that; it’s dour, it’s unexciting, and it’s just not that interesting. This is “I mean, I guess…” in cinematic form.
The Mountain Between Us (PG-13) - NOTE: This film was released to home media on December 26, 2017
Metascore: 48
Based on the novel of the same name, this film tells the story of Dr. Ben Bass (Idris Elba) and photojournalist Alex Martin (Kate Winslett). When stormy weather in Boise, ID cancels all flights leaving the airport, Dr. Bass and Ms. Martin get an uncharted flight from a local pilot in order to get to their destinations: Dr. Bass has an important surgery in Baltimore, and Ms. Martin is getting married. When tragedy strikes, they strike out on a journey through perilous conditions in order to get home. This film, which also stars Beau Bridges and Dermot Mulroney, is available in a two disc 4K UltraHD/Blu-ray + Digital HD version, a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital HD version, and a single disc DVD + Digital HD version. This film is a bit schmaltzy, but it’s at least beautiful to watch; the mountain scenes will really pop in 4K. The film is predictable, but it’s not a hard watch. Give it a look.
Battle of the Sexes (PG-13)
Metascore: 73
Based on the 1973 tennis match dubbed “The Battle of the Sexes,” this film tells the story of women’s champion Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and former men’s champ Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) as they meet up for the match that shocked the world. However, what no one realized was these two were coming to terms with their own battles off-court: King was struggling with her own sexuality and Riggs was trying to reclaim lost glory. Together, they started a conversation that has continued to this day. This film, which also stars Andrea Riseborough, Elisabeth Shue, and Sarah Silverman, is available in a two disc Blu-ray/DVD + Digital HD version and a single disc DVD + Digital HD version. This is a fascinating story and a fascinating film. Stone and Carell are in top form, and I highly recommend this.
That’s all I’ve got for this week. Got any questions or comments? Did I miss something you wanted to discuss? Feel free to hit us up in the comments section below. From my family to yours, I hope you all have a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Until next time…
